The Merryall Center in New Milford, CT is now accepting submissions for Expressing Motherhood (Connecticut).

Expressing Motherhood is a stage show of personal stories, songs, and skits all about the journey of motherhood. Since 2008, moms have been sharing their stories at Expressing Motherhood performances across the country. Submissions from moms, dads, grandparents, and reflections about mothers are all welcome.

The show is built for the non-famous, non-published, and people who want to get out and express themselves. The average cast consists of ten people. Performers submit in advance and are chosen based on the power of their stories.

Submission deadline - June 30th, 2025. No auditions. Email Submissions to: aschuette@merryallcenter.org

Presented by Imam Gazmend Aga, Monsignor Joseph Donnelly and Rabbi Eric Polokoff 

Join Rabbi Eric Polokoff (Rabbi Eric), Monsignor Joe Donnelly (Father Joe), and Imam Gazmend Aga (Imam Gazi)—affectionately known as The Three Amigos—for a day of interfaith dialogue and spiritual exploration.

For years, these three faith leaders have engaged in meaningful conversations across Connecticut, fostering understanding between Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Their discussions highlight the deep connections among their traditions and the shared values that unite them.

During this special retreat day, they will explore Faith as a Relationship with God, reflected in and lived through our relationships with others. Through engaging presentations and open dialogue, participants will gain insights into how these three faith traditions approach faith, connection, and community.

The retreat will also include a dedicated time for questions, allowing attendees to interact directly with The Three Amigos and deepen their understanding of interfaith connections.

Well known in the Waterbury region for their interfaith advocacy and engaging discussions at local religious gatherings and the Osher Adult Learning Center at UCONN Waterbury, The Three Amigos bring wisdom, warmth, and a spirit of friendship to their shared ministry.

Join us for a transformative day of learning, dialogue, and connection.

Lunch is included.

Open to all levels of experience, this workshop offers an in-depth exploration of oil painting techniques and traditional still life. Develop foundational painting skills, including glazing and layering oil paints to create luminosity and depth.

Oil Painting: Explorations in Still Life

with Sarah Paolucci

Wednesdays, May 7, 14, 21 & 28, 2025

10 AM – 1 PM

Members: $162 / Non-Members: $180

MORE INFO & REGISTER

Music and Rhyme for Children from Birth to 3s! A program for babies and their caretakers that incorporates music, rhythm, stories, and nursery rhymes to spur language development, body awareness, pre-reading skills, self-confidence, and cooperation. Gathering at 10:15, the program begins at 10:30.

Registration appreciated, drop-ins welcome!

Wednesdays in May at 10:30 AM

Perfect for 18 - 36 months, but fun for everyone!

Lots of rhymes, a sprinkling of songs, and one or two shared board books round out this library program that is perfect for little ones who need to get those wiggles out. Stay to PLAY! After the rhymes, stay for some unstructured play time with other kiddos.

August 15, 2024 – September 21, 2025

Celebrating the year-long loan of three Georgia O’Keeffe paintings, this exhibition unites the Mattatuck Museum’s collection with O’Keeffe’s life and work through common themes.

 These unique spotlight exhibitions celebrate the year-long loan of three Georgia O’Keeffe paintings and will unite the Mattatuck Museum’s collection with O’Keeffe’s life and work through common themes, creating a unique dialogue between her work and other celebrated artists. Each unique pairing will be curated and narrated by a different member of the Museum’s curatorial department and offer a distinctive perspective on the Mattatuck Collection in relation to the works and story of Georgia O’Keeffe.

Are you ready to embark on an extraordinary journey through time? Introducing the Chabad of Northwest CT JLI Course: Colorful Profiles, where we will dive into the lives of twelve remarkable characters who shaped Jewish history in ways you never imagined! Over the course of four enlightening weeks, you'll meet a tapestry of personalities from courageous converts to wise royal advisors, from daring captives to inspiring philanthropists. Each story is a vibrant thread in the rich fabric of our heritage, offering you a kaleidoscope of experiences that will leave you captivated and craving more.

Discover the sacrifices that paved the way for future generations, the adventures that defied the odds, and the achievements that illuminate our collective past. This course is not just a lesson in history; its a celebration of resilience, identity, and the colorful spectrum of Jewish life. Don't miss out on this chance to enrich your understanding and appreciation of our peoples legacy come join us and let the stories unfold! After all, history is best told through the vivid colors of its characters!

Classes meet in-person on six Wednesday mornings at The Heritage Hotel. 

RSVP: chabadNW.org/JLI (zoom option available)

Join us for a delightful afternoon of good food and engaging conversations about local art and history!

Order ahead from Sweet Bella @ The MATT or bring your own lunch to enjoy. First Wednesday of Every Month | 12–1 PM

Join Assistant Curator Becca Lo Presti for an exciting exploration of the history of American ceramics! Featuring objects from the Mattatuck’s collection alongside ceramics from other museums in the US and beyond, this talk will have you looking at pottery in a whole new light.

COST

$10.00 per Adult

$5.00 per Member

Pre-registration is suggested due to limited spots.

Interested in discounts, free admission, and more? Become a member today!

Sponsored by Christine and Eugene Shugrue

Birds on the Move: Half Day Program with Pizza Lunch!

Wednesday, May 7th at 1:30pm

Best for grades K-5 but all are welcome!

Presented by the Litchfield Hills Audubon Society

Registration Required.

After a brief introduction on Spring migration we will head outside to spot birds using the tools in OWL’s circulating birding backpack! Additional binoculars will be available for use during this family-friendly program.

Yarn Bomb Drop-in Sessions are taking place at Five Points Arts Center throughout the winter and spring - free and open to the public of all ages, skills and techniques welcome!

MORE INFO HERE

Wednesdays (weekly):

2 - 4 PM

Jan 8 - May 28

Saturdays:

2 -4 PM

January 11 & 25

February 8 &22

March 8 & 22

April 12 & 26

May 10

$5 Per Person, Waterbury public school, magnet school, and charter school students get in FREE, Kids Adventure Passholders get in FREE.

Hang out with friends, try a relaxing craft, get creative with graphic design, or chill on a beanbag! All teens grades 6-12, ages 12+ are welcome, with supplies and snacks provided.

To pre-register please call (203) 753-0381, extension 130

Register Here

 Support provided by United Way of Greater Waterbury and Elisha Leavenworth Foundation. .

Culturally Curious Art Lecture Series: Perennial Muses: Flowers in Art

Perennial Muses: Flowers in Art

This is a wonderful program for Garden Clubs!

Have you ever wondered about the hidden messages blooming within famous

paintings? Throughout the history of art, flowers have been more than just beautiful decorations - they've served as powerful symbols, carrying secret meanings known to artists and their patrons. From the purity of lilies in Renaissance Madonnas to the fleeting nature of life represented by wilting bouquets in Dutch still lifes, each petal and stem tells a story. This fascinating exploration of flora in art will unveil the language of

flowers, revealing how these delicate blooms have shaped our visual culture and continue to inspire artists - and flower lovers! - to this day.

Join us every Friday night from 5-8 in the NHAG studio, at 37 Greenwoods Road, New Hartford CT - Floor 2 #9A for life model drawing. Participants must be 18+ to attend.

registar at nhagct.art or newhartfordartisansguild.com

Come enjoy some stories with Mrs. Molly and make a special craft for mom. For ages 1-8. Please register each child separately @harwintonlibrary.org/events

Join fellow opera lovers to view and discuss L'Incoronazione Di Poppea

Running time is approx. 3 hrs and there will be one short interval when coffee will be available.

FREE, Donations Welcome

This program focuses on the evolution of beekeeping from the collection of honey from wild hives to the domestication of bees into managed hives. We will discuss how ancient civilizations collected and used honey, how bees came to the US, the rising popularity of beekeeping as a hobby in Connecticut and the importance of hives in modern agricultural practices. Information is presented via slides and short clips with hands-on teaching materials and a featured object from Torrington’s own collection. Participants can taste early summer and fall honey to observe the differences. Information on planting for bee health will be provided.

This program is sponsored by Thomaston Savings Bank.

Tammi Worsham, the Chair of the Outreach Committee of the Back Yard Beekeepers Association with present this program. Tammi has kept bees in three states over a span of a decade and a half. Now she keeps bees in four different towns and talks about her hobby throughout the state. Connecticut’s colder winters have given her new issues to learn about and overcome. Tammi is committed to continuing her education and broadening her knowledge of how to best keep bees healthy and nourished in this region and looks forward to working in our community to share the benefits of these very special social insects.

Seating is limited registration is recommended.

Join the Stitch 'n Bitch group once a month at the Hotchkiss Library of Sharon. The aim of our stitching group is for members to meet regularly to share skills and ideas, and get to know each other while doing some stitching. 

Unlock the mind of a murderer.

Join forensic psychologist Dr. Rachel Toles for an illuminating journey into the darkest corners of a killer’s psyche. In The Psychology of a Murderer, Dr. Toles delves deep into the twisted minds and motives of infamous killers, including Jeffrey Dahmer, Aaron Hernandez, Chris Watts, Aileen Wuornos, the Menendez Brothers, and more.

Discover the psychological factors that drive individuals to commit these heinous acts, and explore the complex interplay of trauma, environment, and mental health. Through gripping case studies, expert analysis, and audience Q&A, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of what turns ordinary people into murderers.

Whether you’re a true crime aficionado or simply curious about the human mind, The Psychology of a Murderer promises to be an unforgettable experience. Don’t miss this captivating evening of insight, discussion, and reflection.

Basic Italian I, a 13-session beginner class, will be held on Thursdays, May 8 to July 31, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. The class will cover pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary, conversation, and culture. The required text is Learn Italian the Fast and Fun Way by Marcel Danesi, Barron's Publisher, any edition, available online at abebooks.com and other retailers.